A Suffolk woman who played a vital role in the re-burial of King Richard lll after his remains were discovered in Leicestershire has been made an MBE.

Heather Broughton, of Wangford, near Southwold, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services across the Midlands and the East, and for her services to heritage as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Over many years, Ms Broughton has been committed to a diverse range of high level heritage projects as committee member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

These projects include The Ice House in Great Yarmouth, the Pioneer Sailing Trust, Brightlingsea, Staffordshire Archives, Hereford Museum and Leicester Cathedral.

She has served variously in the heritage sector a trustee of Derby Museums Trust and the National Gas Museum Trust, Leicester, a member of the Museums Association Ethics Committee and External Examiner for Nottingham Trent University.

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Working for Leicestershire County Council, Ms Broughton led the internationally-significant revitalisation of Bosworth Battlefield and locating the site of the Battle of Bosworth, and the development of Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville.

In a voluntary capacity, Ms Broughton took an active role in the arrangements for the reinternment of Richard lll after his remains were discovered in Leicestershire and is currently involved in Wangford heritage projects and environmental schemes.

Ms Broughton, who moved to Suffolk four years ago, said: “I have been privileged to work with local communities and heritage organisations in helping preserve our rich heritage and making it more accessible.

"I am honoured to be recognised for my work with the National Heritage Lottery Fund and proud to have served the communities of the Midlands and East Anglia.”